The Case Management Process (IMCI)
- Relies on case detection using simple clinical signs and empirical treatment.
- The treatments are develop according to action-oriented classifications rather than exact diagnosis. They cover the most likely diseases represented by each classification.
- It can be used by doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who see sick infants and children aged one week to five years.
- It is a relevant process for a first-level facility such as a clinic, a health center, or the outpatient department of a hospital.
- It is presented in sequence of steps, with information on how to carry them out.
- It will also help and guide the user on how to interview caretakers, accurately recognize clinical signs, choose appropriate treatments, and provide counseling and preventive care.
Elements of Case Management Process
- Assess the child or infant
- Assessing the child means taking down his or her history and doing a physical examination on him or her.
- Assess the child by checking first for danger signs such as convulsions, lethargy or unconsciousness, inability to drink or breastfeed, and vomiting, or possible bacterial infection in an infant, asking the mother questions about common conditions, examining the child, and checking his or her nutrition and immunization status.
- Classify the illness
- Classify the illness means making a decision as regards the severity of the illness.
- Classify a child’s illness using a color-coded triage system. Since many children have more than one condition.
- Identify specific treatments for the child
- If a child requires urgent referral, give essential treatment before the patient is transferred.
- If a child needs treatment at home, develop an integrated treatment plan for the child and give the first dose of the drugs in the clinic.
- If a child should be immunized, give him or her immunization.
- Treat the child
- Treating the child means giving treatment in the health center.
- It includes teaching caregivers how to give fluids during illness and how to recognize signs indicating that the child should return immediately in the health care facility.
- Counsel the mother
- Counseling the mother includes assessing how the child is to be fed, and telling her about the foods and fluids to be given to the child, and when to bring the child back to the health center.
- Give follow up care
- When a child is brought back to the clinic, as requested, give follow-up care and, if necessary, reassess the child for new problems.
Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
